GA 600 | Reflecting on Six Hundred Episodes with Ron Pereira

GA 600 | Reflecting on Six Hundred Episodes with Ron Pereira

Author: Ron Pereira: Lean Thinker & Co-Founder of Gemba Academy October 2, 2025 Duration: 26:26

This week we’re celebrating our 600th episode. Our Director of Studios Greg Nickell asked Ron about the company’s growth over the years, the challenges we’ve faced, what we hope the next generation will take away from our videos, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.

In this episode you’ll learn: 

  • Ron’s favorite quote (1:07)
  • His background (1:32)
  • How Gemba Academy began (3:24)
  • The role of timing in Gemba Academy’s success (7:30)
  • Some of our early challenges (10:20)
  • What our library looks like now (12:45)
  • Our focus on helping people solve problems (14:36)
  • An anecdocte about a particularly powerful transformation (16:30)
  • Whether or not Ron practices continuous improvement at home (18:39)
  • The famous dishwasher video (20:11)
  • What Ron hopes the next generation will take from Gemba Academy (21:30)
  • What Ron would tell his younger self (22:47)
  • About the power of showing up (23:43)
  • Ron’s words of wisdom (24:55)

Podcast Resources

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Hosted by Ron Pereira, a lean thinker and co-founder of Gemba Academy, the Gemba Academy Podcast is a deep and practical resource for anyone looking to build a better organization. The conversations here move beyond theory, focusing on the real-world application of methodologies like Lean Six Sigma and Toyota Kata. You’ll hear from practitioners and leaders who share stories from the front lines, detailing how they tackle complex problems, foster genuine productivity, and develop effective teams. Each episode feels like a candid workshop, breaking down concepts into actionable steps you can apply immediately. This isn't about abstract ideals; it's about the tangible work of improvement, from the shop floor to the executive suite. Tune in for a learning experience that challenges conventional wisdom and provides the tools for meaningful change. The Gemba Academy Podcast turns the philosophy of continuous improvement into a clear and accessible path forward for business professionals and educators alike.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Gemba Academy Podcast: Lean Six Sigma | Toyota Kata | Productivity | Leadership
Podcast Episodes
GA 578 | Navigating Panic Attacks and Burnout with Eric Recker [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:02
This week’s guest is Eric Recker. Ron and Eric discussed Eric’s mental health struggles, how he handled having panic attacks, “winning the now,” and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download he…
GA 577 | The Potential for Personal Transformation with Patrick Adams [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:12
This week’s guest is Patrick Adams. Ron and Patrick had an extremely profound conversation about Patrick’s childhood, the personal transformation he’s gone through, and how he now helps others do the same. An MP3 audio v…
GA 576 | Authentic Leadership with Tony Hayes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:14
This week’s guest is Tony Hayes. Ron and Tony discussed the meaning behind authentic leadership, the importance of humility and vulnerability, dealing with poor leadership, and more. MP3 audio version of this episode is…
GA 574 | Dealing with Resistance from Management with Tanner McClure [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:12
This week’s guest is Tanner McClure. Ron and Tanner discussed Tanner’s introduction to lean, dealing with resistance from management and supervisors, the “paper doll” tool, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode…
GA 572 | Dealing with Burnout with Steven Langer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:48
This week’s guest is Steven Langer. Ron and Steven discussed what it means to optimize workplace culture, what a strong organizational culture looks like, dealing with burnout, and more. An MP3 audio version of this epis…
GA 571 | What Employee Engagement Isn’t with Craig Coyle [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:47
This week’s guest is Craig Coyle. Ron and Craig discussed Craig’s experience as an Apache pilot, what employee engagement is and isn’t, why new leaders quit, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available fo…
GA 570 | How Kanban Exposes Problems with Uriel Eisen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:39
This week’s guest is Uriel Eisen. Ron and Uriel discussed the importance of kanban, why increasing your inventory isn’t always a bad thing, Uriel’s background and projects, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode…
GA 569 | Reliability Kaizen with Adam Lawrence [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:04
This week’s guest is Adam Lawrence. Ron and Adam discussed reliability kaizen, what it means, how it relates to the Wheel of Sustainability, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.…